Generating Efficiency of Monocrystalline Solar Panel in Overcast and Rainy Days

Understand monocrystalline solar panel

Solar energy can provide power locally without the need for long-distance wiring, avoiding the loss of long-distance transmission lines; avoiding waste, solar power generation does not produce any waste, no pollution, no noise and other public hazards, and has no adverse impact on the environment, making it an ideal clean energy source. Solar energy does not require fuel, and operating costs are very low. Solar power generation is not easy to damage, and maintenance is simple, especially suitable for unmanned use. Monocrystalline electric solar panels can be used in various scenarios, including off-grid power generation, tourist vehicles, solar power systems, agriculture, fisheries, petroleum, marine, meteorology, photovoltaic power plants, etc.

Which has a higher efficiency for generating electricity in rainy days, monocrystalline solar panel or polycrystalline solar panel?

First of all, the power generation efficiency of electric solar panels is much lower on cloudy days than on sunny days, and secondly, solar panels will not generate electricity on rainy days, which is also determined by the principle of solar power generation.

The operating principle of solar panels: When sunlight shines on the p-n junction of a semiconductor, a new hole-electron pair is formed. Under the action of the electric field of the p-n junction, the hole flows from the n region to the p region, and the electron flows from the p region to the n region. When the circuit is connected, a current is formed. This is the working principle of the photovoltaic effect of solar cells. This also shows that the most important thing for solar panel power generation is still sunlight. Without a little sunlight, no matter how good everything else is, it won't be of much use.

Secondly, while ensuring that there is sufficient sunlight, let's compare the efficiency of single- and polycrystalline solar panels for generating electricity. The conversion efficiency of monocrystalline electric solar panels is around 18.5%-22%, and that of polycrystalline solar panels is around 14%-18.5%. So, monocrystalline electric solar panels have a higher conversion efficiency than polycrystalline solar panels. In addition, the weak light performance of monocrystalline solar panel is stronger than that of polycrystalline solar panels, which means that in cloudy weather or when sunlight is not very sufficient, the power generation efficiency of monocrystalline silicon solar panels will be higher than that of polycrystalline panels.

Finally, although solar panels can still work when light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds, their energy production capacity will be weakened. On average, when clouds cover heavily, the power output of solar panels will be 10% to 25% of normal power output. Rainwater actually helps solar panels work more effectively. This is because rainwater washes away any dirt or dust that accumulates on the panel, making it more effective at absorbing sunlight. Solar panels do not generate electricity on rainy days, and the power generation efficiency of monocrystalline solar panel is higher than that of polycrystalline panels on cloudy days.